Romeir Elliott, at 5-7 and 185 pounds, has proved that over his high school career as a running back at Warren Central. Elliott dazzled with his quick cuts and bowled over defensive backs for 3,045 rushing yards and 38 touchdowns to help the Warriors to an undefeated Class 6A state championship as a senior.

Elliott had been committed to Southern Illinois, a Football Championship Subdivision program in the Missouri Valley Conference, since August. After the season, though, Western Michigan of the Mid-American Conference offered a scholarship. Ball State offered a “gray shirt” opportunity, meaning he would have enrolled after next season. Purdue was interested in Elliott as a walk-on.

But Elliott kept coming back to Southern Illinois. After taking his official visit last weekend, he was convinced. On Wednesday afternoon, the first day of the early signing period, Elliott sent his signed letter of intent to Carbondale, Ill.

“It felt like Southern Illinois was the only team that took a chance on me when nobody else did,” said Elliott, the Mr. Football position winner at running back. “When I went on my official visit, I knew it would be a good place for me. I definitely feel like I can come in and make an impact my freshman year.”

The early signing period, in its second year, has proved to be a game-changer. According to numbers compiled by 247sports.com, 75 percent of the four- and five-star recruits (279 of 369) took advantage of the early signing period rather than wait until February. That percentage could go even higher this year as college programs look to solidify recruiting classes and get players to campus as early enrollees.

Locally, two of the biggest prospects – Warren Central wide receiver David Bell and Ben Davis offensive lineman Dawand Jones – will wait. Bell will make his decision at the All-American Bowl in San Antonio, Texas, on Jan. 5. Jones said he would make his decision before the regular signing period, which begins on Feb. 6.

Warren Central's Romeir Elliott (21) scores a touchdown against Carmel in the first half of the IHSAA Class 6A state final game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind., Friday, Nov. 23, 2018.(Photo: Leah Klafczynski/For IndyStar)

Elliott, after picking up the offer from Western Michigan, anticipated he might also wait until February to sign. But Western Michigan did not have any official visits left, Elliott said. Ball State called Monday night about setting up an official visit, but Elliott had already made up his mind after his official visit to SIU.

“I had a heart-to-heart talk with (Fishers graduate and SIU all-conference safety) Jeremy Chinn on my visit,” Elliott said. “We touched on a lot of things that made me feel like I was in the right place.”

There were other connections that helped. Nate Griffin, the SIU running backs coach and recruiting coordinator, was a graduate assistant at Northern Illinois in 2008 and ’09 when current Warren Central assistant Chad Spann was a star running back for the Huskies.

Elliott also realizes SIU can use the help. The Salukis averaged 30 points a game last season but finished 2-9. D.J. Davis, similar in size to Elliott, at 5-8, 168 pounds, rushed for 1,118 yards last season.

Warren Central's Romeir Elliott (21) runs the ball to the end zone for a touchdown against Carmel in the first half of the IHSAA Class 6A state final game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind., Friday, Nov. 23, 2018.(Photo: Leah Klafczynski/For IndyStar)

“I sat down and talked to D.J. Davis and he was telling me I can make a big impact as a freshman,” Elliott said. “We’re about the same size, but I’m a little thicker, quicker and faster. No disrespect to the other guys, but I feel like I can come in right away and make a difference. I feel like it is perfect, really.”

Shakir Bell, another smaller running back from Warren Central, made an impact in the same conference. Bell rushed for 4,214 career yards at Indiana State from 2010-13, twice earning All-American honors before going on to play in the Canadian Football League. Bell told Elliott in the recruiting process to find the right fit, not necessarily the biggest school.

“My parents told me the same thing,” Elliott said. “Sometimes the bigger name school isn’t all that. I’ve always been the type of guy that I would rather go to a smaller school and excel than go to a bigger school and not do anything.”

An offer from a bigger school might have come in the next six weeks. But Elliott is ready to move on to the next chapter.